Tips from the top!

Role-plays can get to be very challenging especially at ICDC. Luckily, North Atlantic Region Vice President, Jack Fenton, gives excellent insight on how to prepare yourself for role-plays before ICDC.

Tip #1 Keep It Simple – after stepping into the room for ICDC, you might be really nervous about competition and begin to lose focus on the scenario given. By keeping your presentation “short & sweet”, it forces the main focus of your presentation into a clear and concise manner. It is an excellent idea to be methodical while preparing for your presentation. Just as Mr.Fenton stated, “Focus on breaking it down to identify three key items: the role you will be fulfilling, the task at hand and the role of the judge.” Following these steps will greatly impact the results of your role-plays if done correctly.

Tip #2 Focus on Performance Indicators – Remember, judges are grading you on not only how the presentation was given but if you reached all of the performance indicators. You always want to explain every aspect of the indicators to the best of your ability. If not, you run the risk of losing,” up to 20% of you total score, depending on the event.”

Tip #3 Practice – There are several options to hone your presentation skills. Talking to yourself in front of the mirror, presenting to family members (even your dog), or even talking into a camera can help your soft skills. The objective is to build confidence and become familiar with these situations; you want to be as experienced as possible before entering into that room.

Tip #4 Change the Conditions – Mr. Fenton gives fantastic suggestions on how to make your practices more realistic, “…having a time limit and outside exam proctor. While reviewing the answer key, work to understand what you got wrong to be fully prepared for those tricky questions in the future.”

With these “tips from up top”, role-play competitors will have a competitive edge while at ICDC and, with enough work, make it to the stage! Hope you enjoyed and took a lot from this & remember Florida DECA, Make It Count!

If you would like to read the actual blog, copy the link here! > http://www.decadirect.org/January-2014/Competition-Tips-to-Help-You-Make-It-on-Stage/